Indian wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has opened up on not getting a single game in the previous edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024 despite being part of the contingent. He has further stressed his rapport with captain Suryakumar Yadav and his gameplan for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
India have not lost a single T20I series since their triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The invincible T20I side under Suryakumar Yadav has been built slowly, overcoming the void of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the team.
Sanju Samson played a major role in helping India through his phase of transition. Unlike Shubman Gill, when Samson was promoted to open the innings, he formed one of the most explosive batting duos alongside Abhishek Sharma. Samson’s dominance spanned throughout the 2024 season.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Sanju Samson opens up on being a benched member of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Sanju Samson was part of the Indian contingent even during times when Rahul Dravid was the head coach of the India team, but he got his main opportunity under Gautam Gambhir back in 2024.
Opening the innings, Sanju Samson batted fearlessly as he utilized the powerplay to the maximum extent. Samson became the first batter to have scored three International T20 centuries in a calendar year in 2024.
The cricketer has recently opened up on not getting to play a single game for Team India after being picked in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Samson was part of India’s title-winning contingent alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yuzvendra Chahal, and all three of these players did not play a single game in the tournament.
“Talking about the 2024 T20 World Cup, I didn’t play a game. Yes, things were a bit up and down, to be very honest. It did not match the expectations that I set. But I was still very grateful that I made it to the fifteen,” said Samson, speaking in a video uploaded on the BCCI.tv.
“I feel tremendously happy and blessed to be at this situation,” Samson expressed gratitude on his journey
The veteran right-handed star from Kerala, who formerly played for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, said that it was never easy to break into the India team after coming from Kerala. He recalled an incident where he spoke to a friend who wanted to play for India so badly, but how tough the challenges were.
“I was just sitting down with my friend and chit-chatting, and I was thinking about how we wanted to play for the country, coming from Kerala and how challenging it was and then about where things are now. So, it feels very grateful for the whole journey. I feel tremendously happy and blessed to be in this situation,” he added.
“I have a great rapport with Surya” – Sanju Samson
Despite his stellar form, Sanju Samson started losing importance in the India team after Shubman Gill’s return at the top of the order. It was not until the 5th T20I against South Africa that he was reunited with Abhishek Sharma at the top.
He went on to claim that he has an excellent rapport with the Indian team captain, Suryakumar Yadav. He also reflected on how they often discuss ideas and questions related to the game.
“My role is very clear. I just have to make a positive contribution. I just have to go out there and make a positive impact. I still feel there is a bit more to do. Actually, there is still more hunger left in me to go out there and contribute,” Samson concluded, throwing some limelight on his gameplan in the T20 World Cup.
ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav’s successor as India T20I captain named ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
